Local teams set to continue non-district action

By Clara Sandoval, Laredo Morning Times

Published
11:39 pm CDT, Sunday, August 18, 2019

Volleyball teams across the Gateway City hit the court this week for the third week of the season.

United South gets things going as it plays at Flour Bluff at 6 p.m. Monday. The Lady Panthers are coming off a loss on the final day of the Mission Tournament and they now face a very lively Lady Hornets team.

“We’re looking forward to Monday’s game versus Flour Bluff,” United South head coach Debbie Martinez said. “They’re a solid team, so we will definitely be getting competitive matches giving our girls that experience we need to prepare for district play.”

The rest of the Laredo volleyball teams continue non-district play in some key games.

St. Augustine (12-1) is one of the hottest teams in the Gateway City and was the last remaining undefeated team in Laredo before falling in the championship game of the Hebbronville Tournament. The Lady Knights welcome Cigarroa at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

“I feel it’s going to be a great game. Last year we went into five sets and they were all close,” St. Augustine head coach Clarissa Mancha said. “I believe it’s going to be a great match up again. We will prepare and hopefully come out on top.”

Ashley Monez and United South plays Flour Bluff at 6 p.m. Monday.

Ashley Monez and United South plays Flour Bluff at 6 p.m. Monday.

Photo: Hector Guerra /United South Athletic Department

Photo: Hector Guerra /United South Athletic Department

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Ashley Monez and United South plays Flour Bluff at 6 p.m. Monday.

Ashley Monez and United South plays Flour Bluff at 6 p.m. Monday.

Photo: Hector Guerra /United South Athletic Department

Local teams set to continue non-district action

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Cigarroa (4-11) looks to rebound against St. Augustine after dropping some close matches. However, the Lady Knights are undefeated at home this season.

United (13-2) dropped only its second game of the year and have shown versatility at the net with a core of hitters that have stepped in after senior Lauren Arzuaga suffered an ankle injury at the Wimberley Tournament. Ivanna De la Pascua, Krizia Perez, Lorena Contreras, Kylee Taylor and Ashley Cantu have all picked up the slack on offense.

The Lady Longhorns will be tested on Tuesday as they take on San Antonio Reagan, a team that handed Alexander one of its losses this past weekend. They clash at 6:30 p.m. at Reagan.

LBJ (11-2) is coming off a second-place finish at the Mission Tournament, but its road in non-district action doesn’t get easier as it heads to the valley to take on McAllen Memorial at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

“We know going up against Memorial we are going to have to be at the top of our game,” LBJ head coach Selina Garcia said. “They have some powerful weapons but we are just going to stay focused and play our game.”

The Lady Wolves have been leaning on Yaretzi Ortiz, Isabella Martine and Ann Chick, who picked up all-tournament honors this past weekend.

Martin (9-4) is one of the top teams in the Gateway City and have been on the rise ever since Aide Rodriguez took over the program five years ago. Every season the Lady Tigers have improved slowly despite what the record displayed. This year, Martin is looking to grab a postseason berth and are on the right track to do so.

“Everyone gets excited when any Martin verses Nixon game is taking place,” Rodriguez said. “Our girls are anxious for Tuesday to come around. And as for me, this will be my fifth year as head coach and hope to continue experiencing our friendly rivalry for years to come.”

The Lady Tigers meet Nixon on the road as they play in the oldest rivalry in Laredo. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Nixon (7-9) has drastically improved from last season and have picked up seven victories early this year. Geraldine Valles, Rosa Cavazos, Sophia Cabello and Nahomi Vasquez have all been notable players for the Lady Mustangs.

“It's always an intense and exciting game anytime we play each other,” Nixon head coach Mike Gabrillo said. “Martin is a good team with some good strong hitters and a tough back row. They have been playing well so we will have our work cut out for us. I don't expect anything less than two good teams battling it out on Tuesday Night.”

Alexander (8-9) has slowly started to find its niche on the court and have come up with some notable victories that includes one last week over Mission Veterans, one of the top team in the valley. The Lady Bulldogs are coming off a 1-2 performance on the final day of the NEISD Tournament in San Antonio after falling to Clemens and Reagan, two teams that are known for their volleyball programs in the Alamo City. Alexander was able to pick up a victory over Steele.

Alexander turns its attention to San Antonio Madison as it welcomes the Lady Mavericks for a 6 p.m. Tuesday contest.